Bursar Office - Financial Aid Distribution and Refunds

Financial Aid Distribution

Awarded financial aid will begin to post to student accounts ten days before the official start of the semester. Financial aid is credited toward your tuition, fees, room and meal plan charges. Any financial aid monies in excess of your current charges will be mailed to your PAWS mailing address.

If you wish to have any excess aid pay other allowable charges on PAWS, you must sign a Student Financial Aid Authorization Form (see Bursar Online Forms). Return the completed form to the Accounts Receivable Office prior to your financial aid posting to your PAWS account.

You are responsible for paying any portion of your tuition not covered by your financial aid by the fee due date to avoid late payment fees or finance charges. If your financial aid does not pay your total tuition, fees, room and meal charges, your unpaid balance will transfer to the Installment Payment Plan (fall and spring semesters only). Students on the Installment Plan are required to complete a University Credit Agreement (see gold side bar). See the Installment Payment Plan section on the Bursar website for additional information.

Financial Aid Refunds

The Cashier's Office mails financial aid excess cash checks approximately two business days after the refund posts to PAWS provided you have no additional financial obligations. All excess cash checks are mailed to your active mailing address. Undelivered excess cash checks may be replaced 14 days after the mailing date. Direct questions about the status of your excess cash check to the Cashier's Office, bursar@uwm.edu or (414) 229-5009. For more information regarding financial aid, visit the UWM Department of Financial Aid website.